Centra Dream Day Out

As part of Centra’s Live Well initiative, which launched in early 2015, over 650 children from around the country travelled to Croke Park today for a very special day out. Young hurlers from 16 different clubs had the once in the lifetime chance to experience the ultimate behind the scenes day at one of Ireland’s national stadiums, home to the GAA.

‘Centra Live Well’ has redefined everyday convenience retailing in Ireland by providing shoppers with choices and information about healthy and nutritious food. The initiative is also encouraging people to add activity to their daily routine. This was brought to life through Centra’s sponsorship of the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship, particularly through their 13 stadium events hosted right around the country. Almost 5,000 children would have received nutritional advice on healthy eating & staying active at each event.

The event is the grand finale of this Stadium tour and on-hand to make the day extra special were some of the children’s hurling idols including Henry Shefflin, Pat Donnellan , Conal Keaney, Padraic Maher and Seamus Hickey; among others. A lifetime dream for the children was fulfilled by Centraas they stepped foot on the famous pitch and received a hurling skills session from some of the best hurlers in the country. To top it all off they also received an all access pass with a stadium tour and museum tour to understand the history and background of Ireland’s national sport.

Our ’Live Well ‘ambassador, Henry Shefflin, commented; “I am delighted to be involved with Centra’s Live Well campaign this year. Having spent the majority of my life involved in sport I really understand the importance of living a healthy and balanced life; and it is vital that children understand this from a young age. I have really enjoyed speaking to some of the young hurlers throughout this campaign and I know the other inter-county players feel the same. Today has been a fantastic event and hopefully we’ll see some of these future stars lining out for their county in years to come.”

Martin Kelleher, Managing Director, Centra commented; “Live Well has become embedded into everything Centra does, and our GAA partnership is the perfect platform to bring this initiative to life. It is fantastic to see so many children being active and participating in sport. Our ‘Live Well’ ambassadors also played a huge role in educating the children on the significance of a good diet and exercise. These players are hurling heroes in each of their respective counties and we believe they have inspired children to lead healthier lives into the future.”

Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Aogán Ó Fearghail said: “Never before has the issue of healthy eating and lifestyle been more pertinent and we are delighted to see the work of our partners Centra in this area. Our formative years are so important in the development of habits and it’s for that reason that our young players are of vital importance in any attempt to change the way we consume food and it’s very obvious connection to sporting activity. Our players are superb role models and any influence they can exert as part of this education process has to be lauded and welcomed.”

Centra, with over 460 stores nationwide and at the heart of local communities, is continuing to work with the GAA to promote and develop the game of hurling for all ages right across the country; in both developing and well established hurling counties.